August is the quintessential summer month here in the Pacific Northwest. Consistently dry, sunny, and warm, but with a slight tinge of fall in the air by the second half of the month. The sun is starting to set a little earlier, but we still have pleasantly warm summer evenings to enjoy in the garden. Flowers abound and we can enjoy sizzling colors under the sun as well as find comfort in the coolness of the shade garden. Here are some of our favorite plants for August.
Dahlia
Dahlias burst onto the scene in July and August, filling the garden with showstopping blooms that continue well into fall. Choose from a variety of colors, flower shapes, and sizes, from 3” diameter flowers to blooms the size of dinner plates! Best of all, with a little care, they will produce spectacular flowers year after year. Purchase tubers in spring to plant in late April or May. Purchase potted plants throughout the summer.
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Full sun to part shade (more sun for best blooms)
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Fertile, well-drained soil
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12”-5’ tall, depending on type
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Blooms summer to late fall
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are a must for every PNW garden. Choose from the globular blooms of mophead varieties, the cones of panicle varieties, or the elegant crowns of the lacecap varieties. Tons of colors to choose from as well. Ayesha Mophead Hydrangea (shown above) is adorned with unique, pale pinkish-lavender blooms that are lightly fragrant and have spoon-shaped petals that resemble lilacs.
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Part shade
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Well-drained soil
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4’-7’ tall and wide, depending on variety
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Blooms summer into fall
Coneflower (Echinacea)
A bee magnet, Coneflower (Echinacea) is a staple in the summer garden. These pollinator-attracting blooms are long-lasting and make great cut flowers for bouquets. They look stunning planted en masse or mixed into the perennial and annual flower border. Seed-hunting birds love the seed heads in the fall. This variety is called Tangerine Dream.
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Full sun to part shade for best blooms
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Well-drained soil
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24” tall and 30” wide
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Blooms July-October
Celosia
Bold and bright, Celosia are statement plants in the summer garden. A member of the Amaranth family, they come in plumed (pictured above) and crested varieties. Plumes of brightly colored flowers are perfect for long-lasting cut flower bouquets. Crested varieties have flowers that look like velvet brains. Definitely a conversation piece! These annuals are heat-lovers and need very well-drained soil.
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Full sun
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Well-drained soil
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6”-36” tall and 6”-12” wide, depending on variety
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Blooms July-September
Coreopsis
Cheerful Coreopsis offers up masses of flowers over a long period in the summer. This native of the Americas prefers lots of sun and is highly sought after by bees and hungry butterflies. They are drought-tolerant, easy-going, and available in shades of yellow, orange, red, cream, and pink. Shown above: Li’l Bang ‘Enchanted Red’.
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Full sun
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Average, well-drained soil
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6”-24” tall and wide
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Blooms summer-fall
Lettuce and Kale
Plant lettuce and kale now for delicious, fresh salads in the fall. Kale is hardy and will continue to produce into winter. Lettuce appreciates a little shade through August. Both plants need to be watered regularly but the homegrown salads you will enjoy in September and October is so worth it.
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Full sun to part shade
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Rich, well-drained soil
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Lettuce grows 4”-8” tall and Kale 12”-36” tall and wide, depending on variety
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Protect lettuce as temperatures drop in late fall
Sedum
Easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and unique, Sedums come in a range of colors and textures, from creeping groundcovers to upright plants. Sedums attract beneficial insects with small to large clusters of flowers, depending on variety. Upright sedums such as Autumn Joy and Xenox bloom in summer with flowerheads aging nicely on the plant for fall interest.
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Full sun
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Well-drained soil
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2”-24” tall and 12”-36” wide, depending on variety
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Upright varieties bloom late summer to fall
New Zealand Flax (Phormium)
Drama! The bold, swordlike leaves of Phormium are a statement piece. Try ‘Dark Delight’ (shown above) or ‘Guardsman’, with its vivid red stripes. Plant with a bright green accent (Autumn Joy Sedum shown above) for maximum impact. This evergreen perennial likes sun or light shade, most types of soil, and moderate water.
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Full sun to part shade
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Well-drained soil
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Up to 7’ tall, depending on variety
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Blooms on older plants may attract hummingbirds
Hosta
Stay cool in the shade with Hostas. These architectural foliage plants are right at home in shady and woodland gardens. Plants range from tiny 4” dwarfs to massive 6’-wide giants, with leaves that can be deep green, blue, or chartreuse. ‘Patriot’, shown above, has leaves with white margins that reach 7” long and lavender flowers on 2’-tall stalks.
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Shade to part shade
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Average, well-drained soil
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4”-24” tall and 12”-72” wide, depending upon variety
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Blooms early to late summer, depending on variety
We’d love to help you choose something perfect for your individual space. Stop by and chat with one of our experts!
Updated for 2026
Aimée Damman
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